Issue - meetings

Consideration was given to planning application 23/2102/Ful, Land Off Cygnet Drive, Bowesfield Lane, Stockton-on-Tees.

Planning permission was sought for the erection of 265 dwellings and associated infrastructure and landscaping on an allocated site off Cygnet Drive/ Kingfisher Way, Bowesfield, Stockton.  The scheme also included the provision of a car park to serve the nature reserve which would be accessed from Bowesfield Crescent

The proposed application consisted of 265 houses with 4 bungalows, 86 of which would be affordable, equating to 32.45% affordable provision.

The application had 39 letters of objection. In addition, an online petition objecting to the proposal was submitted with 523 signatures via change.org.  No fundamental objections had been raised by statutory consultees.

The principle of development was considered acceptable, and the application had been considered in full and therefore it was not considered that the development would result in any significant conflict with the policies of the Local Plan and there were no technical reasons why the proposed scheme was unacceptable in planning terms and would justify a refusal of the application. 

Neighbours were notified and the comments received were detailed within the main report.

The planning policies and material planning considerations that were relevant to the consideration of the application were contained within the main report.

The Planning Officers report concluded that the development formed part of an allocated site in the local plan. It was considered that there were material benefits arising from the proposed development and there were not any adverse impacts from the proposed development that would significantly or demonstrably outweigh the benefits when assessed against the policies in the framework taken as a whole.

Other material considerations had been considered in detail and the development as proposed was acceptable in terms of visual impact and highway safety, it did not adversely impact on neighbouring properties, archaeology or the ecological habitat and flooding

For the reasons as detailed within the officers report it was recommended that the application be Approved with Conditions and subject to the completion of a Section 106 Agreement as detailed within the Heads of Terms.

The Principal Planning Officer informed Members that there had been updates to Conditions 2 and 9 contained within the main report.

Since the writing of the report there were 6 additional letters submitted and the petition stood at 783 signatures. In addition, Thornaby Town Council had objected to the scheme.

The Applicants Agent attended the meeting and was given the opportunity to make representation. Their comments could be summarised as follows:

- The Applicant had worked closely with the Council to develop the brown field site in accordance with the adopted Local Plan.

- The development would provide economic benefits.

- 86 high quality affordable homes would be provided surrounded by open space with access to the Tees Corridor.

- Keepmoat had a commitment to supporting local communities and businesses.

- The Applicant had a long-standing relationship with Stockton Riverside College.

- Members were respectfully asked to grant planning permission for the proposed development.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 27